Computer Software

Lightbulb phase-out begins

Monday 24 August 2009The official phasing out of old style 100W incandescent lightbulbs begins across Europe from the start of September, as part of the EU’s eco-design for energy-using products regulations. Under the terms of the legislation, which was agreed last year, the manufacture and import of the 100W bulbs will be restricted in the territory, although retailers will be able to sell their existing stocks. A phase out of lower wattage versions of the old style lightbulbs will begin in 2012.

Energy-efficient ‘compact fluorescent lamps’ (CFLs) are now available in a full range of shapes and sizes, and use up to 80% less energy than their incandescent equivalents.

“We can no longer rely on lightbulbs which waste 95% of their energy as heat. We are glad the EU has put this measure in place to stop the waste of energy and money from old fashioned high energy bulbs. The UK has had a successful voluntary initiative in place for a few years, and now the rest of the EU will follow suit on a mandatory basis,” said Environment Minister Dan Norris. “This is great news for people who will pay less in electricity and even better news for the planet, as this will amount to 1m tonnes of saved CO2 per year by 2020.”